Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Ford Transit Custom
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
From $79,900
Van
Diesel
Diesel
110kW
8.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
14000L
Ford Transit Custom
From $62,990
Van
Diesel
Diesel
125kW
8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
5800L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $62,990. That makes the Ford Transit Custom the more affordable entry point by $16,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $69,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Transit Custom by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit Custom gets a 13-inch display and 12-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets vinyl upholstery while the Ford Transit Custom offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2-zone in the Ford Transit Custom.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Ford Transit Custom responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter measures 6,967mm long on a 4,325mm wheelbase, 1917mm longer than the Ford Transit Custom at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 14000L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 5800L in the Ford Transit Custom, giving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter a 8200L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 14.4m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and $2,280/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit Custom.
Estimated annual total: $2,508 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs $2,280 (Ford Transit Custom). The Ford Transit Custom saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 250,000km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Transit Custom takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Ford Transit Custom will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom?
The Ford Transit Custom is the cheapest at $62,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $16,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit Custom uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the largest boot at 14000L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit Custom has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit Custom makes the most power at 125kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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